El Paso Chihuahuas fireworks, pool openings top Memorial Day weekend events
El Pasoans have lots of options to enjoy Memorial Day weekend. Aside from having a cookout, families can celebrate Gigi and her giraffe at the El Paso Zoo, check out movies in the park, enjoy fireworks after El Paso Chihuahuas games and celebrate an El Paso brewery's birthday.
In El Paso, people can gather to honor those who died in the nation's wars on Monday, May 29, at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery. There will be a ceremony at 9 a.m. Concordia Cemetery, 3700 Yandell Drive, also will have a ceremony at 10 a.m. that day.
Here is a closer look at the weekend events.
Movies at the Park in Horizon City
The Horizon City Police Department will show its summer series of free movies starting Friday, May 26, at Corky Corcoran Park, 13969 Veny Webb St. There will be music, games, prizes and food.
The first movie will be "DC League of Super-Pets." More movies will be added.
Gigi the Giraffe is having a baby shower
The El Paso Zoo is throwing a baby shower for Gigi the Giraffe from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The giraffe and baby will not be on exhibit, but there will be baby shower games and raffle prizes. Admission: $7.50 for children 2-12 years (babies 23 months and younger get in free), $9 for teens 13-17, $12 for adults 19 to 59, and $7 for seniors and active-duty military members.
Aurellia's brewery celebrates 4th anniversary
Aurellia's Bottle Shop & Brewhouse, 1620 Resler Drive, will celebrate its fourth anniversary by throwing an office-themed birthday party from 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, May 27.
As part of the celebration, the brewery will have two special limited-release beers, a special menu and anniversary glassware, according to an Instagram post.
Memorial Day weekend fireworks
Enjoy a baseball game between El Paso Chihuahuas and Reno Aces Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, at Southwest University Park. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and 5 p.m. Sunday. After both games, there will be fireworks. Tickets, excluding fees, range from $18 to $86 and are available online at https://bit.ly/3Op0K1o or at the stadium.
West Side farmers market
Shop and enjoy the Upper Valley Artist & Farmers Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 28, at Mesa Plaza, 6633 N. Mesa St., in front of Hobby Lobby West. There will be a variety of vendors and food, as well as live music by Locomotion.
More: What to do for Memorial Day weekend in El Paso, Las Cruces
Ascarate Park pool opens
The Ascarate Park pool will open Saturday, May 27, for the summer. The pool will be open from noon to 5 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday. It will be closed on Mondays except on Memorial Day. Admission will be $3 for adults and $2 for children 17 and younger and seniors 60 and older.
Enjoy El Paso water parks
Chapoteo, Oasis, Lost Kingdom and Camp Cohen Water Parks officially open Saturday, May 27. The water parks will open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the end of July.
From Aug. 1 through Labor Day weekend, the parks will be open Saturday and Sunday. El Paso residents are encouraged to purchase season passes for entrance to any of the water parks. This year, four tiers of passes are available. For more information, visit epwaterparks.com.
New Mexico Wine Festival returns to Las Cruces
The New Mexico Wine Festival returns to Las Cruces May 27-29 with a big celebration of wine, food and fun.
The annual festival, showcasing the finest wines from 18 wineries, will be from noon to 6 p.m. on the outdoor grounds of the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds. Food trucks will be on site. Festival-tasting tickets are $30 through May 26 and $35 after. Discounted tickets are available for military and designated drivers.
Tickets are available at tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/406912
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Memorial Day weekend events include giraffe baby shower at El Paso zoo
